I’ve spent about 6mm this looking for my perfect audio interface, and after much consternation I think the Audiofuse 8pre seems to have the right combination of price point, inputs and form factor that I’m looking for - I have a question.
I would like to be able to practice piano or noodle with a synth without having to turn on my computer - and be able to hear it out of my monitors!
I’m not after complexly routing capabilities, or to use it for a dawless setup, just to be able to jam without a computer. Can this be done on the 8pre?
I can’t seem to find a clear answer…
TLDR:
Can I hear my synth through the 8pre without a computer or faff?
I’m using mine as a ADAT expander for my Audiofuse Studio. But I can’t see why you couldn’t. You set up what you want on the Cue Mix (with a computer), then just flip between that or the Main Mix for use with a DAW Etc. I can do it on the Studio easily.
I’ll see if I can reach the USB port but it’s racked at the moment so a bit of a pig to get to……
it’ll be the same instruments in both cases going to the same monitors. I guess what I’m asking is can I monitor the inputs without turning the computer on….
Ideally I don’t want to have to turn my computer on to switch to monitoring mode… or have to remember to switch modes when turning my computer off.
according to the manual this will not do what you want.
If it is used without a USB connected to a computer it will operate in “ADAT” mode which means all the inputs and outputs are routed to the optical ports in back for use with other interfaces.
You will be able to monitor the internal que mix without a computer but that mix is configured by the Artuira software the interface uses. From what I gathered the cue mix is at unity by default so there wouldn’t be much offline mixing possible.
I don’t need to be able to mix, just to monitor. Literally just to be able to - essentially - use it as an amp for my electric piano and synths, so I can hear them out of my speakers - without turning my computer on!
Looking at the manual again, it looks like it’s a no. In usb mode, it needs to be plugged into a computer - so we can ignore that, as the computer is off.
In ADAT mode, it needs to be ADATted (new verb) to something, as the analogue inputs route the the ADAT outs, not the analogue outs.
Just realised 1-2 on the front panel cuts out what’s attached to the back So plugged a synth into 1-2 and used the Headphone out. Set 1-2 to be un-muted in the “Cue Mix” via app and USB connected. Works just as you’d expect! Turned it off and on a few times, unplugged the usb (get an annoying flashing blue light when the computer is not connected), even tried it back in ADAT mode and it worked still
I haven’t had any issues with the 8pre - but it sits there racked and never adjusted or messed with. Its all external FX etc on there. I did notice the pots were a little scratchy, but that could have been the fact they’ve never been used and the Gains been set to 0 on all of them, with the occasional PAD engaged. When I was looking, it was these Arturias of Focusrite, and I’d hazard a guess they’re made in the same damn place - though thats completely speculation on my part.
The Software is OK, not the best, not the worst. I think I preferred Focusrite for being able to save presets, but I think the Arturia is better laid out - I just use the CUE mixes and the main mix now, so no need for presets.
I use the Audiofuse Studio as well, connected via ADAT to the 8Pre. My monitors are attached too the Studio. This gets much more use / fiddling / changing what’s going in and out. Again, I’ve had no problems with it (). Only issue I guess is the button on the top left doesn’t click anymore, but still opens and closes the App on the attached laptop. Wish it remembered the “REAMP” settings, but not a big deal - and a handy feature. Plus the USB ports and Midi are great to have.
It’s not something I’m excited about if that makes sense, it just seems to work, offers me various solutions and work arounds and doesn’t get in the way much.
If SSL made a Six as a USB interface, I’d sell the Arturia stuff in a flash. I dont have room for a BigSix, or the need really. But I do miss the sound of the original Six just going into a 2/4 channel interface.
hmmmm… this has got me thinking lol. maybe its time for a change…
So plugged a synth into 1-2 and used the Headphone out. Set 1-2 to be un-muted in the “Cue Mix” via app and USB connected. Works just as you’d expect! Turned it off and on a few times, unplugged the usb (get an annoying flashing blue light when the computer is not connected), even tried it back in ADAT mode and it worked still 
). Only issue I guess is the button on the top left doesn’t click anymore, but still opens and closes the App on the attached laptop. Wish it remembered the “REAMP” settings, but not a big deal - and a handy feature. Plus the USB ports and Midi are great to have.